10:10 Campaign Director Eugenie Harvey responded to the news by saying, "Today's announcement from the Tories is truly remarkable. This would mean that all central Government buildings, from Big Ben to Belmarsh Prison will follow the inspiring example set by families, businesses, schools, and faith groups across the country in making an ambitious 10% emissions reduction in 2010."

According to the campaign, Government activities account for as much as 1% of total UK emissions, so a move this size has direct and important consequences on total emissions. But it is also an important signal to the rest of the country—we are in this together, and we need to start taking action now. Perhaps the most important aspect of this move, and the 10:10 campaign in general, is the emphasis on immediate, substantive action. We're not talking about goals for 2050, or even 2020, but what can be done right here, right now.

And for those on the right of the political spectrum, surely moves by central government to slash energy expenditure and increase efficiency can only be a good thing?